With the cold, dark nights now in full swing, it can only mean one thing.
Winter is right around the corner.
From cleaning your gutters and checking the roof to making sure your boiler is still in top nick, there are lots of things for you to be ticking off your to-do list before the temperatures plummet for the foreseeable.
Whilst December to February is generally a quiet time for your garden, you might be worried about how the cold weather will impact your greenery. Particularly the artificial varieties.
If artificial grass features in your back garden, there are some things you should know about taking care of it in the wintertime.
Let’s discuss them below!
1. Clear debris and prep your lawn
Before the sub-zero temperatures set in, you should make it your top priority to clear your artificial lawn and prepare it for the season ahead.
Make sure to sweep up all fallen leaves, twigs, and other organic matter that has accumulated on the surface during autumn, using a plastic rake or leaf blower.
It’s important to ensure you remove every last bit of debris to avoid a build-up, which could cause potential issues with moss growth or hinder drainage.
2. Brush the blades
The winter weather is notorious for flattening or matting down artificial grass blades, so brushing them through regularly with a soft-bristled broom is an essential part of maintenance if you want to keep it looking its best all year round.
With your broom, gently brush the surface in different directions to help restore the natural upright position of the fibres, to keep your artificial lawn looking fresh and well looked after.
3. Keep an eye out for nails and secure the turf
Extreme temperature fluctuations, especially during winter, can affect the nails or fasteners used to secure your artificial grass to its base.
To prevent shifting or movement of your astroturf, make sure you check it over to ensure that it’s firmly in place, and replace any loose or missing nails as soon as possible before the cold, damp, and frosty weather arrives.
4. Protect it from frost and snow
On average, the UK experiences 23.7 days of frost, snow, or sleet each year.
Whilst artificial grass is designed to withstand this type of weather, it’s vital you take extra precautions to ensure it’s fully preserved during extreme, prolonged cold snaps.
To do this, you should:
- Avoid walking on frozen turf – When the temperature drops below zero, it’s always best to minimise foot traffic on artificial grass as much as you can. Walking over frost on your turf can make the blades brittle and more prone to permanent damage.
- Shovel snow – If you need to remove snow from the surface of your artificial grass, you should use a plastic shovel instead of a metal one, as these can easily damage the lawn fibres and cause permanent marks and tears.
- Allow snow to melt naturally – If you can, it’s best to allow any snow on the surface of your turf to melt naturally. The drainage system in place will ensure that any water is removed effectively and that your artificial lawn remains in optimal condition.
- Avoid harsh chemicals – Steer clear of using any chemicals, like salt or de-icers, on synthetic grass. Yes, they can help remove snow much quicker than natural removal methods, but they can potentially damage the fibres and interfere with the drainage system.
5. Ensure proper drainage
Proper drainage for your artificial lawn is important all year round, but it’s especially vital in the ‘ber’ months when snow and ice can accumulate.
Making sure the system is clean and unobstructed to allow snow to melt or rainwater to flow is crucial for the longevity and performance of your fake grass in the latter months of the year, so make sure to perform regular checks and remove any debris or blockages that may interrupt water flow.
Need more expert advice?
Artificial grass is perfect if you’re looking for a fuss-free, easy-to-maintain lawn solution for your gardens, but it’s important you know how to take care of it whatever the weather.
Here at Tradepriced, we’re proud to supply a range of artificial grass products – including artificial turf underlay and a range of accessories – that are the perfect fit for every garden.
Browse and shop our range online, or get in touch with our team for more expert tips on how to take care of your artificial grass this winter!
